CPT® Code 87299

Official Description

Infectious agent antigen detection by immunofluorescent technique; not otherwise specified, each organism

Common Language Description

An infectious agent antigen detection test is a laboratory procedure that utilizes an immunofluorescent technique to identify the presence of specific infectious organisms in a sample. This test is particularly useful when there is no specific code available for the infectious agent being tested. The process begins with the collection of a primary source sample, which may consist of tissue, cells, or body fluids. This specimen is then treated with a reagent that is specifically designed to bind to the antigen of the infectious agent in question. The sample is incubated under controlled conditions, such as a specific temperature or humidity, to facilitate the antigen-antibody reaction. Following the incubation period, the specimen undergoes a washing process to eliminate any unbound conjugate, ensuring that only the bound complexes remain. The cleaned specimen is then dried and mounted for examination. A fluorescence microscope, equipped with the necessary light source and filters, is employed to visualize the specimen. The presence of the infectious agent is indicated by a positive test result, which is characterized by a distinct color change, such as bright green or orange-yellow, observable under the microscope. This test is essential for diagnosing infections when specific coding for the infectious agent is not available, allowing for targeted treatment and management of the infection.

1. Indications

The infectious agent antigen detection test by immunofluorescent technique is indicated for the identification of specific infectious organisms when no specific agent code is available. This test is particularly useful in the following scenarios:

Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases The test is performed to confirm the presence of an infectious agent in patients exhibiting symptoms of infection.
Investigation of Unexplained Illness It is utilized in cases where patients present with symptoms that are not easily attributable to a known infectious agent.
Monitoring of Treatment Efficacy The test can be used to assess the effectiveness of ongoing treatment for infections by detecting the presence or absence of the infectious agent.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting an infectious agent antigen detection test by immunofluorescent technique involves several key steps:

Step 1: Sample Collection A primary source sample is collected from the patient, which may include tissue, cells, or body fluids. This sample serves as the basis for testing and must be handled according to laboratory protocols to ensure its integrity.
Step 2: Application of Reagent A reagent specific to the infectious agent is applied to the collected specimen. This reagent is designed to bind to the antigen of the infectious organism, facilitating the detection process.
Step 3: Incubation The specimen is incubated under controlled conditions, such as a specific temperature or humidity level, to allow sufficient time for the antigen-antibody reaction to occur. This step is crucial for ensuring that the binding takes place effectively.
Step 4: Washing the Specimen After incubation, the specimen is washed to remove any unbound conjugate. This step is essential to reduce background noise and enhance the clarity of the results.
Step 5: Drying and Mounting The washed specimen is then dried and mounted onto a slide, preparing it for microscopic examination.
Step 6: Microscopic Examination A fluorescence microscope, equipped with the appropriate light source and filters, is used to examine the specimen. The presence of the infectious agent is indicated by a positive test result, characterized by a specific color change, such as bright green or orange-yellow, when viewed under the microscope.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for patients undergoing the infectious agent antigen detection test typically involves monitoring for any adverse reactions related to the sample collection process. Patients may be advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the test results and any necessary further actions based on the findings. It is important to ensure that the results are interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical presentation and history. Additionally, any required documentation or reporting of the test results should be completed in accordance with laboratory and regulatory standards.

Short Descr	ANTIBODY DETECTION NOS IF
Medium Descr	IAADI NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED EACH ORGANISM
Long Descr	Infectious agent antigen detection by immunofluorescent technique; not otherwise specified, each organism
Status Code	Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies)
Global Days	XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC)	9 - Not Applicable
Multiple Procedures (51)	9 - Concept does not apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50)	9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions	09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82)	9 - Concept does not apply.
Co-Surgeons (62)	9 - Concept does not apply.
Team Surgery (66)	9 - Concept does not apply.
Diagnostic Imaging Family	99 - Concept Does Not Apply
CLIA Waived (QW)	No
APC Status Indicator	Conditionally packaged laboratory tests
Type of Service (TOS)	5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS)	T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule)
MUE	1
CCS Clinical Classification	206 - Microscopic examination (bacterial smear, culture, toxicology)

Reference (outside) laboratory: when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 to the usual procedure number.

Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient.